Romania

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

AA - Stable regulated state, there is a low HSE risk. Worksite risk is deemed to be low. Corruption risk is medium. Road deaths are higher than the EU average.The country scores 69/175 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.15 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Romania.

 

Crime

 

 

Maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as at home.. There is a risk of petty theft in large towns, especially Bucharest. Pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in crowded areas, particularly near exchange shops and hotels, on public transport (especially to the airport), in the main railway stations and inside airport terminals.

 

Organised attacks by groups, often including children, occur. The most common method is of distraction while several people, often the children, attempt to snatch watches and jewellery from pockets or from around the neck and wrist.

 

There have been reports of a scam involving thieves who present themselves as plain-clothes policemen. They flash a badge and ask to see passports and wallets. They count the money and give the documents back, but when they return the wallet, some of the money is missing.

 

Valuables including passports have been stolen from hotel rooms. Use the hotel safe and carry a photocopy of the information pages of your passport as ID.

 

There have been reports of credit or debit cards being ‘copied’ when used for payment in some bars and restaurants.

 

Road travel

 

You will need to pay a road toll ‘Ro vignette’ to use the national roads. You can buy the vignette (sticker) at border points and at most petrol stations. Failure to display the sticker may lead to a heavy fine.

 

Observe the speed limit at all times. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and you have with you all documentation, including evidence of insurance.

 

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. Don’t drink any alcohol if you are driving.

 

In winter, equip your car for extreme conditions. Road conditions are variable and secondary roads can be in a bad state of repair. Driving standards can be poor. Look out for double parked cars, people suddenly braking to avoid a pothole, horse-drawn carts, livestock and stray dogs, particularly in rural areas, running in front of the vehicle.

 

Carry the following equipment: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, red warning triangles and a fluorescent jacket.

 

If your vehicle is damaged before you arrive in Romania, ask a Romanian Customs or Police Officer to write a report on the damage so that you have no problems when leaving. If any damage occurs inside the country, a report must be obtained at the scene of the accident.

 

In 2013 there were 1,861 road deaths in Romania (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 9.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

See the European Commission,AA and RAC guides to driving in Romania.

 

Taxis

 

Yellow taxis in Bucharest should list prices on the side of the vehicle and display a company name. There are frequent reports of foreign visitors being overcharged by taxi drivers.

 

Rail travel

 

Thieves operate on trains, so make sure all valuables are safe.

 

Local laws and customs

It is illegal to change money on the streets. You should change money only in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels.

 

The Romanian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. The age of consent is 18. If you are convicted, you can expect a prison sentence.

 

Homosexuality is no longer illegal, but attitudes are conservative and the gay community keeps a low profile.

 

Most airports and military bases will have signs prohibiting photography. Ask permission before photographing anything potentially sensitive (eg official buildings, police cars).

 

Money

Romania is largely a cash economy. While an increasing number of businesses do accept credit cards, it may be safer to use cash due to the risk of credit card fraud. There is now a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards. Check with your card provider whether you will be able to use these machines.

 

US dollars and sterling are not always easy to exchange for local currency, especially outside Bucharest. Euros are widely accepted You may have difficulties using travellers’ cheques

 

Health

If you’re visiting Romania you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your country (EU nationals only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Romanian nationals. . The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

 

Natural disasters

Earthquakes are not uncommon in southern and south-western Romania and small tremors are recorded throughout the year without consequences

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

The Romanian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Visas

 

You don’t need a visa to enter Romania if you are an EU citizens. Citizens who enter Romania have the right to stay for a period of 3 months from the date of entry. If you intend to stay for a longer period than 3 months, you can apply for a registration certificate issued by the Romanian Office for Immigration as either self-employed, an employee, self-supported, or as a student.

 

Working in Romania

 

If you intend to work in Romania, you should register with the Romanian Office for Immigrants. No separate work permit is required. You can also register as self-employed. For further information on working in Romania, contact the General Inspectorate for Immigration at 15A, Lt. col. Marinescu C-tin Street, Sector 5, Bucharest; email: igi@mai.gov.ro.

 

Customs regulations

 

Information on customs regulations is available on the website of the National Customs Authority of Romania.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, transfer and exit from Romania.